2019 Companion Animal Law Writing Contest
The subject of the paper submitted must be one of the following topics:
1. Several state legislatures have recently amended animal control and enforcement laws’ bond-for-care provisions. These laws require an owner to post security or provide a care bond to cover the cost of care for animals seized by animal control or other enforcement entities pursuant to certain criminal and civil law actions. Discuss hallmarks of current bond-for-care laws, including due process protections. Discuss any special variations states may have. Discuss what types of situations have recently given rise to lawsuits by those subject to bond-for-care requirements, and how they have or may be resolved? All points of view are welcome.
OR
2. Fraudulent claims that a dog or other animal is a service or emotional support animal have led to denials of access to public spaces and some modes of transportation. Discuss the Animal Welfare Act, the Air Carrier Access Act, and any other laws that apply to emotional support animals. What types of situations would give rise to lawsuits over denial of access? What changes are recommended to curtail service and emotional support animal fraud, and what would be the consequences? What would be the net impact on animal welfare? All points of view are welcome
Official Rules:
1. Eligibility:
Companion Animal Law Writing Contest (the “Contest”) is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old or the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence, whichever is greater, at the time of entry. Entrants must be enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school in the United States. Employees of The American Kennel Club, Inc. and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and advertising and promotion agencies, as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee (whether or not related) are not eligible. The Contest is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
2. Sponsor:
The Contest is sponsored by The American Kennel Club, Inc. (the “Sponsor”), 101 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10178.
3. Agreement to Official Rules and Policies:
By participating, entrant agrees to abide by and be bound by these Official Rules. The decisions of the Sponsor are final and binding in all respects. Winning a prize is contingent upon compliance with these Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein.
4. Contest Period:
The Contest begins on August 15, 2019, at 8:00 a.m. ET and ends on November 30, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. ET (the “Contest Period”). Sponsor’s computer is the official time keeping device of this Contest. Entries that are submitted before or after the Contest Period will be disqualified. Entries will be accepted for the duration of the Contest Period.
5. First and Second Prizes Two prizes will be awarded. The First Prize winner will receive $2,500. The Second Prize winner will receive $500. The First Prize and Second Prize winners will be announced on December 17, 2019. The potential winners are subject to verification by Sponsor. Limit: one (1) prize per person. Each prize winner is responsible for all taxes and fees associated with prize receipt and/or use.
For information on how to enter, judging criteria and additional details, please visit the website.